Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Cardiomyopathy
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Arjun | 500 mg of a concentrated extract three times per day |  [2 stars] Arjun has been shown to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy, as well as the objective measurements of heart function. |
Coenzyme Q10 | 100 to 150 mg daily | [2 stars] Most studies using coenzyme Q10 in treating cardiomyopathy have shown positive results, including improved quality of life, heart function tests, and survival rates. |
Hawthorn (Congestive Heart Failure) | 160 to 900 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract with a doctor's supervision | [2 stars] Studies have found hawthorn to be effective for the signs and symptoms of early-stage congestive heart failure, the main complication of cardiomyopathy. |
Coleus | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Coleus contains forskolin, a substance that may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. |
Dan Shen | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Dan shen may improve the force of heart contractions and coronary circulation, and may prevent damage to the heart muscle that might lead to cardiomyopathy. |
L-Carnitine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Inherited forms of cardiomyopathy seen in children may be responsive to L-carnitine. |
Selenium (Keshan's Cardiomyopathy) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with selenium can correct selenium deficiency, which is believed to be a cause of Keshan’s disease, a form of cardiomyopathy found in China. |
Taurine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taurine has been shown in preliminary studies to be beneficial for cardiomyopathy. |
Vitamin B1 (Wet Beri Beri) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with cardiomyopathy caused by severe vitamin B1 deficiency (known as wet beri beri) generally require intravenous vitamin B1, followed by oral supplementation. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.